Bobby East 38th in Cub Cadet/Kleenex Ford at Michigan International Speedway
Vibration Keeps East and #37 Team from Top Finish
Brooklyn, MI (August 18, 2007)… The high-speed track of Michigan International Speedway saw the #37 Cub Cadet/Kleenex Ford Fusion driven by Bobby East finish in the 38th position.
The CARFAX 250 at MIS proved to be a challenging day for the #37 Cub Cadet/Kleenex team and driver Bobby East. Bobby had high hopes going into the event despite qualifying in the 40th position. The caution flag flew on lap 7 and allowed East to bring the #37 Cub Cadet/Kleenex Ford to pit road for adjustments. The race would restart several laps later and East radioed in to crew chief Stewart Cooper, “The car is a little tight in and loose in the center. It’s the best right there.” As East was getting acclimated with the wide track he was slowly moving up and passing the competition.
However, caution came out on lap 26 and Stewart Cooper called East to pit road for four tires and fuel. He told his driver, “Good job! Keep searching around looking for the best place to run.” On lap 30 East was in the 34th position and moving forward. East radioed in to the crew that he was getting better the more he ran but he still had a lot to learn.
Caution came out for the third time on lap 34. East brought the #37 Cub Cadet/Kleenex Ford to the attention of his pit crew for gas and adjustments. On lap 37 East was running in the 31st position; Shawn Parker, spotter, radioed to East, “you are better there” referring to a higher groove in the racetrack. The #37 Cub Cadet/Kleenex Ford would fluctuate through the field for the next portion of the race. With 45 laps to go East was running in the 18th position as the field was pitting under green flag conditions. A few laps later he would be in the 16th position before he pulled onto pit road for what was thought to be the final pit stop of the day. After a pit stop for 4 tires and fuel, East returned to the racetrack, but he would radio in a couple of laps later, “I have a bad vibration! Something doesn’t feel right.” Cooper radioed back, “Pit next time by.” With 28 laps to go, East would return to the race in the 39th position. He picked up one position before the checkered flag waved, finishing in 38th position four laps down.
“Today was a challenging day for me and the team. I learned a lot about the racetrack and its characteristics. We were going to come home with a better finish but I had a bad vibration after the pit stop and I had to stop again putting us behind. It was a tough weekend in Michigan for the Cub Cadet/Kleenex Ford Fusion team, but I can’t wait to get to California and get back on track.” --Bobby East
The next race for Bobby East will be at the California Speedway in the #37 Ford Fusion. Greg Biffle will be behind the wheel of the #37 Cub Cadet Ford Fusion Friday night, August 24, in Bristol. The Food City 250 is scheduled to go green at 8:00 PM ET; television coverage will began at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2.
No. 37 Cub Cadet CARFAX 250 Race Stats
Qualified: 40th
Finished: 38th
Laps: 121/125
Status: Running
Owner Points Standings: 23rd
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